Abstract: Methods and systems for bidding on items include a predetermined price or range associated with an item, the price not disclosed to bidders. Successful bids conform to a predetermined success rule(s) determined independently of the amounts of other bids. Successful bids can be immediately communicated to the successful bidders. Price adjustments, typically discounts, can be determined and communicated prior to fulfillment.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, system and method for communicating to a network through an ad hoc virtual domain. The present invention contains a deceiver, a controller, and a forwarder through which a client communicates through. The deceiver, controller, and forwarder collectively establish the domain in which the ad hoc virtual namespace will exist. This invention allows clients to interact over a network in a fashion that is anonymous and unique to the session which the client is engaging in.

Abstract: A system and method for providing advertising sponsorship for content providers is described. The sponsorship derives revenue from a pool of revenue that is collected from participating sponsors. A functional host system containing a sponsor is served to a client for the duration of the client session. The host system tracks client impressions associated with a content provider's content during client browsing. When all of the impressions are collected and attributed to the respective content providers, a compensation value is distributed to each content provider. The value is determined by dividing the revenue pool by the number of impressions attributed to the content provider. The functional host further provides a host redemption system that allows clients to further utilize the hosts in trades, swaps, or barters.